Salmonella Outbreak

Breaking News: Salmonella Food Poisoning In Rhode Island!

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of food poisoning or a foodborne illness, you are entitled to compensation. Please contact d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C. at 1-800-992-6878 or click here for a free consultation.

One person has died and 33 others have reportedly become sick following a salmonella outbreak, which likely resulted from the circulation of tainted zeppoles. The tainted zeppoles reportedly came from DeFusco’s Bakery in Cranston and Johnston, Rhode Island. The bakery did recall the zeppoles, but for some people, this recall may have come too late.

If you or a loved one feels that you have become sick as a result of salmonella food poisoning, you may want to contact a personal injury attorney. Signs and symptoms that may result from salmonella food poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may become apparent from one to three days after the tainted food is ingested.

On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, the state Department of Health released certain information pertaining to the salmonella outbreak. The department reported that the man who died from the salmonella poisoning was in his 80’s. Additionally, of the 33 people who have become sick, 17 have required hospitalization. Mostly all of those who became sick noted that they had consumed zeppoles which originally came from DeFusco’s Bakery, and were distributed to several other food service businesses. Included in the food service industries that received the zeppoles reportedly tainted with salmonella poisoning was a catering firm which served the zeppoles at several assisted living facilities and senior centers.
           
The department of health has said that the salmonella likely resulted from raw eggs, which, at some point, came in contact with the zeppole pastries which were then eaten by consumers. The state lab will be investigating the exact source of the outbreak the first weekend in April by testing food samples. Prior to the testing, there has been speculation that, because the pastry shells were being stored in used egg crates at the bakery, they may have been exposed to infected raw egg.

The list of businesses that have sold the tainted zeppoles have been reported by the health department to include:

• American Bakery Suppliers (a West Warwick distributor)
• Roch’s Market (West Warwick)
• Meal Works (Coventry caterer)
• Touch of Class Catering (West Warwick)
• All DeFusco locations
• Sal’s Bakery (Providence)
• Colvitto’s Bistro (Narragansett)
• Fococcia World (Johnston)
• Crugnale Bakery locations (Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, Cumberland)

Meal Works served the zeppoles on March 18 at St. John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point in West Warwick, Crescent Park in Riverside, and West Warwick Manor Senior Center.

After the investigation, inspectors found that Buono’s Bakery in Providence may have also been using unsafe food storage practices. These practices included storing shells of zeppole, cream puff, and éclair shells in egg crates.

The Department of Health has advised that packaging which once contained raw eggs or raw meat products should never be used for other purposes. The recall of zeppoles from DeFusco’s Bakery came after health inspectors found unsanitary conditions in the store and pastry cream stored at inadequate temperatures. The Johnston DeFusco’s Bakery has been voluntarily closed for now.

A list of the locations that served the zeppoles can be found at: http://1.usa.gov/RI-salmonella

Foodborne illnesses can be serious and life threatening. You need an attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve. If you are seriously injured as a result of salmonella poisoning, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case, we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a personal injury lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.